A guide to starting nursery.

New term…New routine?

As the start of the new school year approaches there may be changes on the way for you and your little ones. They may be starting nursery or beginning with a childminder. They may be moving to a new room at their current nursery. 

Whilst some may adapt quickly and you may not notice too much of a change, others will find it harder and need a slower, more gentle transition. Whether they take to it well or need a bit more hand-holding, there are things you can do in the run-up to help make it as smooth as possible.

Starting at a nursery school or with a childminder can be a big change and milestone for your little one. It can also be a big milestone for you as parents and I am sure there will be lots of questions swimming round your head…

What if they don’t nap?

What if the room isn’t dark enough?

What if they get woken by another child? 

They only fall asleep in a certain way, how will they do it there?

Nurseries are an exciting place to be and the staff there are very experienced with all types of babies and children and will support your little one as they get used to their new environment and routines. It is important to talk to your nursery about your current routine and see if they can follow it as much as possible. If they are on two naps in the day then see if this can be followed at nursery, especially as they are settling in and getting used to things.

If your little one is beginning at a childminders then it is important to have a conversation with them as well about their current routine so that they can try to recreate it as much as possible.

As with anything sleep related, it is important to be consistent. It can be really helpful to send things in from home for nap times which your little one is used to and associates with sleep. Pack their sleeping bag and a comforter, if they have one, so that it is familiar to them. This can really help them to feel settled, especially when everything else is so new.

Plan for early bedtimes. Whilst they are settling in you may find that their naps are shorter or at slightly different times and so by the time you come to pick them up they are very tired. Don’t be afraid of an early bedtime, as early as 6pm if needed, whilst they are adjusting. This will help prevent any overtiredness from creeping in. You may also find that they need more sleep on the days they are with you at home and it is fine to have a slightly different routine to their new nursery or childminder’s if needed.

Plan in some one to one time. After a busy day at nursery it is important to try and build in some special one to one time before the bedtime routine. This doesn’t have to be long, 10-15 minutes, but it is important to try and fit it in. Playtime, without screens, down on their level can really help to ‘fill their love bucket’ and ensure that they are content before bed. Fitting this in can help prevent some night wakes up as sometimes they are just looking for that special comfort and time with you which they have missed during the day at nursery.

Finally allow time. It is a big change for your little ones and it can take some up to three months to fully settle but allow time, try not to panic, be adaptable and they will get there. Before you know it, they will be happily running into nursery or their childminder’s house each morning and come out at the end of the day with a big smile on their face.